WILL BREXIT AFFECT MY HOLIDAY TO SANTORINI

You don’t need to get a new passport if you’re travelling to Europe from 1st January 2021, as long as your current passport has at least six months left on it and is less than 10 years old. If your passport doesn’t meet these requirements, you may not be able to travel.

The officers at the border may ask to see your return ticket, from 1st January 2021, when you arrive in an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. You might also be asked to prove you have enough money to last your holiday. And, you might need to use a different lane when queuing up on arrival.

Following Brexit, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is being phased out and replaced with a new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Despite the name, the GHIC only works within EU countries. During the Brexit transition period, the EHIC worked in EU countries, plus some additional countries – but as of 1 January 2021, the EHIC now once again only works in EU countries. If you currently have an EHIC that’s still valid, you can continue to use this. When your EHIC expires, you should apply for a new GHIC. Both cards entitle you to medical treatment in the EU. However, neither is a replacement for travel insurance and you must always have full travel insurance in place before you go on holiday.

For holidays after Brexit, you only need a visa for a country in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland if you’re planning to stay for more than 90 days. From 2022, the EU is introducing a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This is a bit like an ESTA that you’d apply for when travelling to the USA. This is not a visa, but you’ll need to register your details before you travel via a quick and easy online form.

You can take a holiday of up to 90 days in any 180-day period from 1st January 2021, if you’re travelling to a country in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you want to stay for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa, but the rules vary from country to country. You can find out more on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website.

Depending on which country you’re travelling to and how long you’re staying, you might need some extra driving documents, including an international driving permit, to drive in EU countries after Brexit. Permits are available for £5.50 from the Post Office. The rules vary from country to country, so it’s worth checking the FCDO website in good time before your holiday.

Charges for using your mobile phone in an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland may be different after Brexit. It’s best to check with your mobile phone provider before you travel.

As of 1st January 2021, the amount of duty-free goods you can bring back with you from EU and non-EU countries – like alcohol and tobacco – increased. You’ll now be able to buy, for example, a total of 42 litres of beer and 200 cigarettes without having to pay UK duties. Duty charges won’t be added to these goods when you buy them at a UK airport, either. These new changes will apply to England, Scotland and Wales. For more information, visit the UK Government’s website.

Holidays aren’t affected by Brexit. If you’ve got a holiday departing after 1st January 2021, or are thinking of planning a holiday, you can rest assured that you can still book your holiday with confidence.

Holidays aren’t affected by Brexit.